The UK Direct Marketing Association (DMA) has confirmed today that managing director James Kelly is to leave the organisation.

Last month, the DMA announced it is to begin the next stage of its organisational restructuring programme after a year-long review of its operations. This has introduced a double-headed leadership structure in lieu of a single managing director. In the new structure, management responsibilities will be shared jointly between a chief of operations and a chief of membership and brand. As a result, the role of managing director held by James Kelly has been made redundant.

Kelly joined the DMA in 2000 as chief operating officer, and was promoted to the role of managing director in April 2002. He said: “The last nine years have seen tremendous change in the direct marketing industry and I am delighted to have led the DMA through this, steering a path through multiple regulatory challenges while also integrating the representation of new media channels and generally improving its financial performance. The DMA is now stronger and more effective than ever, one of the most respected trade bodies in the UK. I wish it every success for the future.”

David Metcalfe, chairman of the UK DMA, thanked him for his contribution to the development of the DMA and the direct marketing industry over the past nine years and added: “During that time, the scope of the DMA’s work expanded considerably. Under James’ direction, a compliance function was established, regional activity was increased with the setting up of offices in the west and the north of England and new councils were established for emerging direct marketing channels such as email and mobile.”

The UK DMA will shortly announce the appointments of the chief of operations and the chief of membership & brand.